Growing up in the ’70s, I’ve always had a soft spot for the era’s music, and listening to Wild Flora by Bart Moore felt like a delightful throwback. Moore emerges as a quintessential bohemian poet, channeling the spirits of Dylan and Leonard Cohen with his evocative songwriting and rich storytelling.
The album kicks off with “Molly Bloom,” where Moore’s organic, acoustic sound sets the stage. The track’s warm tones and intriguing narrative pull you in, making it clear that Moore is as much a storyteller as he is a musician. Moore doesn’t confine himself to a single style. He flirts with various influences throughout the album, from the Latin-inspired rhythms of “Heavenly Daze” to the expansive, almost cinematic feel of “Comanche Land.”
The latter evokes imagery straight out of a Ken Burns documentary, blending historical reflections with personal anecdotes, like his experience of a Cubs game in “Tuesday Afternoon at Wrigley Field.” What stands out most is Moore’s ability to make each song feel like a chapter in a book.
Tracks like “The Railyard Ghosts” and “God Is Just Plain Lazy” add layers of depth and humor, while “Mattie’s Song (Walking On Time)” wraps things up with a catchy, saloon-style singalong. Wild Flora is packed with eclectic music and relatable storytelling, making it feel both timeless and worthy of multiple listens. Bart Moore’s knack for blending evocative lyrics with diverse musical influences makes this album a memorable and enriching experience.
Discover ‘Wild Flora’ on Spotify:
